Nature Tripping Episode 35 - British Snakes
It’s rare to come across a snake in the British countryside. They are seldom seen, and often feared and demonised, with most of us basing our views on what we see in cartoons, movies and myths. Britain has three native species of snake and whilst elusive, they are not impossible to find if you know how. In this episode Jo and Cathy set out in search of these secretive reptiles, travelling to a dry heath in East Dorset in the south of England to meet herpetologist Harry Ward-Smith. A very long snake hunt ensues across two nature reserves managed by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC). Along the way we get to understand and appreciate the lives of these amazing creatures and the many challenges they face in today’s fragmented landscape. Check out ARC’s website for photographs of the three British snake species and so much more.
Great Ovens Heath
Creech Bottom Heath
The Smooth Snake
From more information on snakes and the UK conservation efforts see https://www.arc-trust.org